He was an elite soldier in the Paras and had served in every major conflict for the last 20 years - but Capt Ian Hamilton could not go on living as a man. Twelve months on and after painful surgery, the new Capt Hamilton tells HER extraordinary story...

Photo: A year of painful surgery and Captain Ian Hamilton's sex change was complete

Excerpt: Has any one asked the question; just how many high school and elementary students are gay or transsexual? Gay high school students, a few perhaps but transsexual or elementary school transsexuals; just how many of them are there in California? Has California changed its laws to defend the sensitivities of a non-existent group of people?

Excerpt: The San Pedro center came under sharp criticism last summer when a transgender Mexican immigrant with AIDS being housed there died while in custody. The family claimed Victor Arellano was improperly denied medical attention, a contention immigration officials rejected.

In response to critics, the gay performers known as "Sisters of Perpetual Indulgence" defend San Francisco archbishop Niederauer for giving them Holy Communion "in keeping with the Second Vatican Council."